Traditional ruler urges youths to use social media for digital skills
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Chief Joseph Keshinro, Chairman, Lagos State Baale’s Forum speaking during the 2025 Annual Public Lecture of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, in Lagos on Wednesday
Chief Joseph Keshinro, traditional ruler and Chairman, Lagos State Baales Forum, has urged Nigerian youths to use social media responsibly and acquire digital skills to transform the nation’s energy sector.
Keshinro gave the advice on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the 2025 Annual Public Lecture of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel.
The programme’s theme was ‘Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas.’
He said social media proliferation had created vast opportunities for learning, innovation, and collaboration, which youths must embrace rather than misuse for activities threatening national unity.
According to him, Nigeria’s energy sector needs fresh ideas and technological input, which digitally skilled youths can provide if they maximise online platforms for self-development.
“Social media is a tool, it can either build or destroy. Young people must understand that its proper use extends beyond entertainment or propaganda,” the traditional ruler said.
He added that youths should harness social media power to gain digital skills, making them relevant in the global economy and solving challenges in sectors like energy.
Keshinro noted that social media now shapes young people’s perspectives and daily interactions.
He observed that many youths promoted social media trends without verifying importance, effects, or authenticity before sharing them.
According to him, while social media builds communities, the lack of regulation was eroding news authenticity and negatively affecting newspaper sales, employment, and supply chains nationwide.
He urged traditional leaders, government institutions, and media organisations to sensitise youths on productive technology use for national development.
Keshinro called on royal fathers to embrace the press and partner with media houses to promote authentic information.
He condemned the rise of unauthenticated statements attributed to individuals, urging journalists to confirm such reports with official media handlers before publication.
According to him, although social media enhanced global communication, it could shape opinions positively or negatively, necessitating regulation.
Keshinro also advocated partnership between NAN and traditional rulers as development partners.
He stressed that such collaboration would strengthen credible information dissemination and support national growth.
The traditional ruler commended the NUJ NAN Chapel for organising the lecture, noting that it provided a platform for cross-generational dialogue on Nigeria’s future.
